As usual the search button got the best of me.
Riding in my aunts 03 TL-S again due to getting into a accident with my WRX.

Thermostat was replaced a couple of months ago.

A/c blows somewhat cold while the car is still warming up, then once it is at idle temp it stops blowing cold. A/c compressor takes longer to engage. Once it does turn on it stays for 45-60 seconds and shuts off but still blows warm.

Only when you are moving above 30 does it blow somewhat cold again.
Car doesn't go above the middle of the Water temp gauge, stays in one spot.

Is it something as simple as just getting the a/c system recharged or am i going to need to replace the whole compressor?

Thanks in advance.

 

Having the AC system checked and charged would be cheaper than replacing the compressor if it's not bad.

Check the #58 fuse (20a) and the AC relay in the underhood box. Then check the #3 fuse (7.5a) in the driver's side interior box. Eliminate the simple stuff first !!!

 

Just check the refrigerant pressure. Probably needs a recharge.

 

Waiting for my friend to get home. He has one of those A/c recharge cans with the pressure gauge. Hopefully it is something stupid.

@3.2Tlc thanks for tip. I will definitely check those.

 

Just make sure the compressor is running when you check the pressure. Should have 30-40 psi on low pressure side while engaged.

 

Ok just checked it. Had everything on full blast.

With the compressor off it was at ~110psi and with the compressor on it was at ~95-100psi.

Am i missing something here?

 

Either you've got a bad compressor, which I doubt, or a low charge and an inaccurate gauge. Short cycling is often an indication of low charge. Try one of the 12oz cans, and see what happens. Or have it checked out by a professional.

 

110 psi on the low side with compressor off?

System is overcharged badly in that case. I'd get it checked out professionally.

 

110 low side, 90-100 low side with it on.
When the compressor kicks in it will drop to 50-60 then immediately go back up to 90-100

 

Ok so i turned the car on after it had cooled down all the way and turned on the a/c.

It read 45 PSI with the compressor on and 110 off.

I filled it with a bit of recharge stuff and it went up to about 50 psi while the a/c was running.

Got in the car it was nice and cool. Took it for a spin around the block and it started getting a little warm again and then the coolant temp started rising.
Da fuq is going on here.

 

50 is normal for low side with compressor on. Always measure with the compressor on.

You might have a bad thermostat or something.

 

Something to check may be the heater valve cable linkage. Could be as simple as needing cleaned and lubed up. Look down the motor's side of the firewall where the heater hoses are located. Have someone operate the inside switch while you watch the heater valve on the inlet hose for free movement. If it's not that, run a self diagnostic of the climate control system. Also check the T-stat, as your temp gauge should stay below the middle mark.

 

thermostat was just replaced ~3 months ago.

Do these car's have issue with air bubbles getting trapped in the coolant system?

 

Make sure both of the underhood fans come on when the compressor is engaged.